I love avocados, sometimes (read: daily) stand on my head to get my creative juices flowing, and I could listen to The Beatles sing, “I’ve Just Seen A Face” everyday, for the rest of forever.

Wondering what goes on here? Yup, so are the rest of us.

1. I am a lifestyle photographer. I have the most remarkable clients in the world, and I share their images here to inspire us all to live life with greater love, meaning and joy.

2. I am a writer. This blog is full of many of the curious thinks I have thunk.

3. I am a speaker and life/business consultant. I post upcoming speaking engagements and consulting information here as well.

4. I am most fulfilled by my work as a wife and mother to my 4 sons, one of whom now lives in Heaven. I share bits and pieces of our journey here on this blog. Including our ongoing struggle with grief, our experiences with ADHD and SPD, and our solid faith in a God much bigger than the challenges we face.

But ultimately, I hope that this blog is about something much bigger than all of that.My dream is for this blog to be a place where real life comes to be celebrated and enthusiastically embraced. Not just the pretty stuff, with tailored hems, clean lines,and the new colors for spring . . . but everything else, too. The frazzled mornings, broken hearts, crazy dreams, messy kitchens. . . even the fear, failure, hopelessness and devastation. I want this blog to be a place for every bit of what makes us all living, breathing, feeling human beings, experiencing together this remarkable thing called life.

May this be a place of passion, purpose, laughter, tears, friendship, encouragement and inspiration for us all.

In 2010, our perfect *”Baby Gavin” returned to Heaven after losing a courageous battle with **Pertussis (whooping cough). We are eternally and profoundly grateful to the thousands upon thousands (upon thousands) of friends and strangers from all over the world, of all faiths and creeds, who united with our family in prayer during Baby Gavin’s horrific illness and who grieved with us and continued to petition God in our behalf during the dark days following his tragic death. You may read Gavin’s story as it unfolded by visiting my old blog here. I am committed to sharing my ongoing struggles with grief and our journey toward joy here on the new blog. I am always humbled and amazed by the continued outpouring of love and support. Thank you for sharing in our journey and inspiring us with your unceasing love! God is good!

*My brother Gavin passed away unexpectedly in 2007. With all these Angel Gavins, it can get a little confusing at times, so just know that when I refer to “Gavin” I’m referring to my wonderful brother. When I refer to “Baby Gavin,” it is in reference to my perfect son, both of whom I cannot wait to see in Heaven!

**You will periodically see me blog about The Sounds of Pertussis campaign. I am an unpaid spokesperson and am only compensated travel expenses where applicable for my involvement with this important cause. Join our fight against this deadly communicable disease at www.soundsofpertussis.com or like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/soundsofpertussis.

Today I’m grateful that this anniversary feels very different than all the rest. I finally feel closer to you rather than farther away. I’m four full years closer to seeing you again. FOUR years. That’s a lot of time. That’s a lot of change. That’s a lot of learning. And that’s certainly a lot of growing. I miss you every day, but I’m over the hump. I can now see WHY this had to be. I can see what it has given all of us. . . the kinds of people it has molded us in to. . . and I’m grateful. Sad and sorry it had to be this way? Of COURSE! But deeply grateful that God knows best. Grateful that He is willing to parent me in the very best way I need, even if it will cause me tremendous heart ache and excruciating pain. . . because He sees me not for who I am today, but for who I am meant to become, and He loves me enough to do whatever it takes to get me there.

I’m so grateful he’s willing to mold me. Kicking and screaming and fighting tooth and nail, He is still willing to mold me, because He loves me perfectly. I hope to become more like Him, Gavin. I hope to have the courage to parent your nephews in that same kind of way that our loving Heavenly Father parents me, because THAT is eternal love. THAT is love that sees beyond the here and now and into forever, together. I hope that I can follow His example, and with His merciful guidance, do whatever it takes.

Even if whatever it takes moves me away from my beautiful ocean . . .and to the middle of the desert. :)

Heather:
Could this be any more beautiful? You speak right to my heart with this. I have 2 beautiful little boys and we just lost our little girl halfway through my pregnancy. I so love the knowledge and comfort that the Gospel brings. Even when we are kicking and screaming. I found myself saying "yes!", "yes!" while reading. How comforting it is to see His guiding hand it all of it. And to know that He listens, and sends us comfort to help us through. Incredible. I can't wait for my reunion with my daughter. June 17, 2011 10:44 am

rachel nilsson:
I love this natalie, and I love gavin. June 17, 2011 11:20 am

dawn beirnes:
this made me smile....I lost my brother in a car accident 23 years ago. My oldest son is named after him also. I miss him everyday. I can tell by this photo that you two had one heck of a special brother/sister relationship! June 17, 2011 12:14 pm

TP:
I have a near-identical picture. I could have written this, but it too made me smile. I lost one of my brothers and best friends 5 years ago. But every day is one day closer to receiving one of his signature hugs and remembering his loving, patient example helps me be a better person everyday. Beautiful tribute ~ thank you for sharing!! June 18, 2011 9:32 am

Rach:
I love that picture of you guys. Sorry I cancelled that song. I felt soo bad. He would have loved karaoke. Love you tons. June 18, 2011 10:45 pm

Bridget:
Thank you Natalie. I have a feeling I've got a few more kicks and screams to go before I'm molded quite the right way. Much love and hugs, Bridget June 19, 2011 12:06 am

Jean Huang Photography:
Natalie, what a beautiful post! And such a positive energy that's conveyed through it. Thank you for sharing and I will follow to your post from 2 years ago. June 22, 2011 7:58 am

Drey:
Dear Natalie.
I am thankful for this blog that I can see you and see you well. Maybe you have heard it countless of times but you are an inspiration. Thanks for your strength. You truly light, out of every blogger out there.
I pray for your strength and comfort.
Regards,
Drey June 23, 2011 3:43 am

Vandi:
Natalie, I can't tell you how honored I felt to get the opportunity to meet you. It honestly was a tender mercy for me. Oh, If I could tell you the story. It'd be a long one. But I needed to meet you. I needed to know someone could go through something so painfully difficult and continue living and breathing, and not only survive, but live deeply and meaningfully. I needed to meet you and I know Heavenly Father knew I needed to meet you, and I'm in awe with His love for me.
You're example of rock solid faith has reached me to the core. You are one who knows. And I felt that just being near you. I can't thank you enough for taking the molding. You are changing lives. You told Gavin you hoped to become more like Him. I know you are. I can see the light of Christ in you. It's beaming. June 23, 2011 7:35 pm

Cindy Smith Walczuk:
Thank you for this post! I have read it several times over the past couple weeks. Four years ago, I too lost my brother. This particular day of the year is really tough, but today I did so much better.... I am a better person, the time and knowledge has molded me into a better person and I am comforted with the fact that God does know what he is doing...I am faithful and humbled by that! Thank you for being so insightful, pure and wise with your words... very comforting and I look forward to the things you say! I just read a book, quick comforting read: Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo. I recommend it! Thanks again! June 29, 2011 3:49 pm

Lillian Mariner:
Natalie! I saw you in a video today on youtube. You and your boys. You probably know your in it, but i just thought it was so cool. If you go to youtube and type in (Kualoa Adventure - Oahu Hawaii) it is the third one down. Have a great day! July 12, 2011 4:25 am

Marsha B:
You are such an inspiration. Hugs and Prayers for you. xx July 15, 2011 1:43 am

Julie:
I found your site by chance (well never by chance always by God) and read this post. Thank you for your honest emotions. May God bless you. My mom passed away unexpectedly 3 months ago and sometimes it feels like it never really happened. I hope one day I can feel as strong as you do. July 21, 2011 12:06 pm

As of yesterday morning, a new family owns our little white house on Wahinepe’e St.

My heart is heavy and light, all at the same time. I am profoundly happy for the family who bought it, they are remarkable, and so very, very deserving. It’s also a very meloncholy (or should I say melon choly) feeling to say goodbye to a home that has cradled us as we’ve weathered so.many.storms. I remember my brother‘s room (before he moved out and set up camp on the beach… like a bona fide hobo). I remember where I was sitting (4 years ago tomorrow) when my Dad told me that had died. I remember where the baby‘s crib had been, and how joyous I felt as I assembled it. I remember how sorrowful I was as I broke it down and placed a dresser in it’s place… so I wouldn’t have to wake up every morning and stare at it sitting there, empty. I remember hours on end of laughter, plenty of yelling and madness, and so much friendship and love that I could burst at the seams just thinking about it.

But. . . I keep reminding myself, home is where we are, together. WE are what makes a house a home. Not friendly neighborhood kids in and out of the house all.day.long, not belly laughs, or tickle fests, not dance parties or trampoline wars, not more joyous memories than I can count… it’s us, and we’re sticking together.

Sheila Beal:
Oh Natalie...I can relate. I couldn't even go to the closing meeting when we sold our last house. I pre-signed the documents and then sat in the car crying while Andy went in to the meeting.
Best of luck to you and the fam for you move to the mainland! June 16, 2011 8:50 am

stephanie joy:
This makes me sad. I am so very happy for you guys though and for the next chapter in your lives! What new adventures await? So exciting! Thanks for being YOU. I have learned a lot from you. Love you. June 16, 2011 10:05 am

alisa greig:
wow, such memories. i can't even relate or imagine. God's continued rich blessings over you and your beautiful family--gonna miss you!!! June 16, 2011 2:47 pm

echo:
you have some great adventures ahead of you guys. you know you are making the right decision but it still sometimes hurts a little. thanks for being awesome. thanks for the fun girls night. thanks for helping me get through the miscarriage. thank you, thank you. love you. June 16, 2011 2:52 pm

tumi:
Best of luck on your future adventures!! It is a bitter sweet moment but enjoy each minute of it. Love you June 16, 2011 4:42 pm

Kent West:
You guys are rad, so so rad. All the best! June 16, 2011 5:03 pm

Rebekah @ It Only Gets Better:
Your post immediately made me think of a song on Animoto's video making site called "Always Home" by Sound of Harris (singer/songwriter section).
I am sure you will all make this transition beautifully! June 16, 2011 5:33 pm

Rebekah @ It Only Gets Better:
Sorry! I meant to post a link to the video I made with that song so that you could hear it.
http://sixgreggs.blogspot.com/2010/12/last-post-of-2010.html June 16, 2011 5:38 pm

Myrna M:
Natalie, you are the epitome of strength. I wish I had your way with words.. Your emotion and your passion and your faith move people beyond description. Best of faith to the Norton family.. Because wishing you luck wouldn't be appropriate for such an awesome family. :) June 16, 2011 5:43 pm

Malia:
Natalie, You and your family are so Beautiful! Inside and out! I'm so excited for your new adventure! I know Stuart said we were bummed but I know that only the BEST is in store for you! And you'll definitely be back (just like we will)! I'm glad I was able to see you even just to say Hi! before you left. Thank You for your inspiration! Take care and I'll see you in Internetland for the next 2 years! June 16, 2011 8:47 pm

Larry:
This reminds me of our move from Hawaii 4 years ago. I'm grateful that your move will bring you closer to where we are and we're excited to be able to see you guys. ;-) June 17, 2011 12:12 pm

amanda whitford:
Thanks Natalie. We appreciate what you'be done for Joe's parents and our tiny family. We'll take good care of the house. June 18, 2011 8:49 am

Rach the great:
I am all tears right now. You have an amazing and wonderful and Fabulous family. I am so grateful to have had you here. I miss you already. I love you soo much. June 18, 2011 10:44 pm

Jennifer Foulger:
Oh sweet sis! I carry your home in my heart! I know you will return there someday as you have so many close friends and Hawaii has always been where you belong. As excited as I am to have you so close to me, (and trust me, you will get sick of me very fast!) I know where your heart is, and it is in Hawaii - close to our brother and close to your son. I love you, love you, love you! xoxo June 19, 2011 2:02 pm

marie rose:
Good Luck on your new adventure. You do not cease to be amaze me. Through all these trials in your life you have been nothing but positive and strong. I hope that I can tackle the challenges before me with as much grace and faith as you! You are a rock star! June 19, 2011 5:52 pm

Sabrina (Chicago):
We just moved too, bittersweet. Very bittersweet, I gave birth to 3 children while we lived there, 1 in my bedroom. It has been hard, but, things change and better opportunities for your family (and mine) abound. Many thoughts and prayers as you travel this new road. June 23, 2011 4:54 am

Contest closed!

Winner:

Kayleen T!

Contact me at aloha{at}natalienortonblog{dot}com to claim your prize! Prize must me claimed via email no later than Friday, June 17th or a new winner will be selected at random (because I’m outta here on Monday and have to get this bad boy shipped off tomorrow!!)! ALOOOOOOOOOHA!

To enter:

1. Comment on the post.
2. Hug someone you love (or hate, but that might be awkward).

Additional entries:

1. If you follow me on twitter (or start following me on twitter), just comment to tell me so, an you just earned yourself another entry!
2. Click the little “like” button below and comment again to say you did, and BAM! Another entry is yours!

Rugged, powerful and portable, the Canon Pixma iP90 Photo Printer delivers exceptional performance at home or on the road. This compact printer can produce up to 16 ppm in black and up to 12 ppm in color, while achieving a resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 color dpi. Canon Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering (FINE) uses a high-performance 1, 088-nozzle print head that ejects precise and consistent droplets as small as 2 picoliters with remarkable accuracy. Your results: impressive resolution and dramatic detail on graphics and photos, wherever you’re printing from. In a hotel room or a home office, the iP90 printer goes practically anywhere, yielding superb output on all your projects. Reports and memos will look clean and professional with bold, crisp text. Using the included Canon Easy-WebPrint software, Web pages are automatically formatted, so they’ll print properly with full color and without trimming off the right-hand margin. You can also produce 4 x 6, 5 x 7 and 8.5 x 11 in. borderless prints, with stunning edge-to-edge quality and razor-sharp detail. In only about 51 seconds you can print a 4″ x 6″ photo with the look and feel of a traditional photograph. And for convenience, you can connect any PictBridge compatible digital camera or DV camcorder directly to the iP90 printer and print photos – no PC required! If you’re on-the-go and low on ink the iP90 printer’s “Ink Usage Control” setting enables you to produce approximately 1.5 times more pages without lowering print quality. Plus, if you run out of black ink, just choose the “Use Composite Black” option and the iP90 printer continues to print black using a composite of color inks in the “Ink Usage Control” setting. These features are a convenient safety net when you don’t have extra ink on hand.

Tory:
Ooooooooooh. I WANT THIS SO BAD, you have NO idea!!! You should see the printer I have, it's disgraceful!! LOL :) Off to tweet and do whatever else i need to do!! Fingers crossed!! June 8, 2011 12:27 pm

Ellie:
so, i follow on twitter, if you didn't catch that in my last post June 8, 2011 12:38 pm

Ellie:
i like the post, how could i not like it? but seriously, i did June 8, 2011 12:40 pm

Amy Paulson:
Natalie...you are the coolest. Wishing you all the best as you're in the midst of crazy packing and transition. I cannot wait to see how God uses you and your family and blesses you guys in Phoenix... And thanks for putting together this contest! June 8, 2011 12:41 pm

Meggan:
My other not to be named brand printer, just died. I've been researching Canon printers to try and decide which one to save up for for the next year or so. If I win... Well, anywho, it would be really nice to win one, count me in! (and I just hugged my baby because I can't help but do that!) June 8, 2011 1:47 pm

Susan Wilson:
What an AMAZING givaway!! Thanks so much ;) June 8, 2011 1:48 pm

kati:
i have had one awful day. having your awesome random generator pick me would make it a little better :) and i'm not on twitter but i read all your twitter posts on facebook. can that count for something? :) June 8, 2011 5:42 pm

Chelsea Larsen:
I would love this printer!!!!!! I just started taking pictures. My sweet husband gave me a camera for our 1st year anniversary. This printer would go perfect with it! June 9, 2011 7:20 am

Mackenzie:
puh-puh-please pick me!! This would be oh so wonderful to have. It would make my constant need to change pictures in the frames on my walls SO much easier!!
Hope the move goes well! June 10, 2011 12:30 pm

Amanda Fultz:
Nat you are SO amazing!!! Thank you for hosting a super awesome give-away :) :) :) YOU ROCK!!! xo June 10, 2011 5:40 pm

Amanda Fultz:
and i love you just as much on Twitter (and Facebook for that matter) -- you definitely bring a lot of smiles to my face!!! June 10, 2011 5:41 pm

Amanda Fultz:
and i think i'd be a dum-dum if i didn't 'like' this post; cause i seriously like everything you write, everything you do, and everything you are. though we live WAY too far apart, you are super close to my heart!!! June 10, 2011 5:45 pm

Eve:
looking for a miracle@!! Thank you for the fun giveaway, reading the blog is very fun as well. June 10, 2011 8:53 pm

Diane Pientsch:
I am so inspired by your blog - photographically and in my life. I love more - take more pictures and I am more settled in where Im at in life- thanks for your wisdom. June 11, 2011 6:15 am

Jenell:
I just started following your blog...so impressed! I am also just starting to get into photography for my husband's business, but more importantly, to capture those moments with my children better...this would be amazing to have! Good luck with the move... June 11, 2011 12:15 pm

April Bringhurst:
Oh this would be awesome to win. My printer just died! June 12, 2011 5:05 am

April Bringhurst:
p.s. I seem to always be hugging someone. my little boy things he needs to play with his trucks on my lap. I don't mind. before long he won't want to be anywhere near my lap. :) June 12, 2011 5:07 am

Christy Shange:
Hey there Natalie! Just wanted to let you now that I "liked" this page, I follow you on twitter and I am commenting on your competition. Thats three entries! Yay for fun contests! Your website is great and you're pretty great too! June 12, 2011 8:41 am

elizabeth boney:
i just have to say that i think you are an amazing photographer. i have read what you said about putting together a portfolio and am putting that information to good use., you inspire me to be better. thank you June 13, 2011 9:02 am

sarah g:
I found you by searching 'How to build a portfolio'.
And I laughed when I read the bit about being prepared to throw out other photographers opinions. So True! Thank you for the reminder. June 13, 2011 9:12 am

sold out sold out sold out sold out

I’m still here in Hawaii for the next 2.5 weeks, then it’s a big fat aloha ‘oe to the land that I love. As a parting gift to my friends and followers here in Hawaii, I’m offering a pretty little discount on all portrait sessions booked within the next TWO WEEKS ONLY. My schedule is surprisingly less crunched than I anticipated it would be during crunch time (go me!), so I’m opening a few dates for discounted portrait sittings before I leave! If you are interested, please email me at aloha{at}natalienortonblog{dot}com for detailed pricing and session information.

Book your session as soon as possible. This already limited number of openings will fill very fast! Limited time slots available through June 17th.

Just so we’re clear, it is highly unlikely that an opportunity like this will be available ever again. I don’t have any plans of hosting anything similar to this in the foreseeable future. So if you are interested, definitely jump fast!

DON’T STRESS (aka FAQ):

We don’t have anything to wear!?

Don’t sweat it! I have a genetic aversion to matchy matchers anyway. I can help you select something that will be just perfect from the wardrobe y’all already have in y’all’s closets. Scouts honor.

I’ve been putting pictures off because I want to lose this last 20lbs!

Give me a break! You are beautiful! AND guess what?! Your family is changing every.single.day you spend waiting. You can’t keep putting this off in anticipation of the allusive “perfect time.” The exactly perfect time simply isn’t coming. Relax. I’ll make you look absolutely radiant (as you already do, I am certain).

What do you require to save our date?!

A 50% (non refundable) retainer is required to reserve your date. The remaining balance is due at the beginning of your session.

What will be included on the disk?

The disk will include all the color corrected proofs from your session in full resolution + a copyright release to print them at the lab of your choice + a very short list of local lab recommendations.

When will we get the pictures?

Well, I’m glad you asked. Since I am in fact in the process of moving, and my sweet assistant Janie is visiting family on the mainland throughout the month of June, you will receive your images between the first and second weeks of July. That’s just about standard turn around time for most photographers, just fyi. Though we normally boast appx 5-7 day turn around. Bam! Circumstances are such that we appreciate your patience while we get these images processed and off to you.

Other questions?

Email aloha{at}natalienortonblog{dot}com and we will get back to you just as fast as you can say “aloha ‘oe.”

Lizzie:
Gah!!! Hawaii why do you have to be where you are? As part of the deal are you moving the island closer??? :) Sad, but so happy for those who'll get this amazing deal! June 2, 2011 10:53 am

natalie:
Heather, how about this: You fly out here and I'll photograph you for free in exchange! June 2, 2011 12:20 pm

mer:
ahhh! i'm going crazy here - hahaha! ;) i will be in hawaii, but on another island starting on the 16th. so very tempting, but i will have to plan to visit you at your new home. good luck with all of your sessions - they will be amazing - love you! June 2, 2011 2:24 pm

Alysha Smith:
I am so excited for our shoot! It will be better when we re-schedule. Let's pray for good weather for the next two.five weeks! :) Can't wait!!! June 3, 2011 6:49 pm

Angela Salazar:
Can you bring this special with you to Phoenix?? There I can be! =) And it's a great place by the way! And I'm sure you will make it all the better! June 10, 2011 10:52 am

I LOVE THIS!

Take the 1 minute and 9 seconds required to watch this video. I think what this organization is doing is so unbelievably refreshing and oh so fun! I can hardly contain myself! We donated alllllll of our (wonderful and treasured) art supplies (from our wonderful Aunt Jenny) to a local homeless shelter last weekend in preparation for our move, but I’m seriously so excited about this, that I’m geniunely considering going out and buying new ones, simply so we can be involved in such a great project! What a COOL way for your kids to a) have the opportunity to actively contribute to a GREAT cause and b) realize the incredible importance of education.

Camille:
Wow, this is so awesome! I am totally donating, purchasing, and spreading the word! Thanks for sharing. June 1, 2011 12:08 pm

emanuelmaruio:
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